On July 22-24 and 29-31, thousands of athletes of all ages and skill levels will embark on Colorado Springs for the annual Rocky Mountain State Games. Participants in a wide range of sporting events compete for medals, earn participation medals, and in some cases strive for the opportunity to compete in The State Games of America.

Molly Sharples, Marketing Director for Colorado Springs Sports Corporation, explained the Rocky Mountain State Games is Colorado’s largest multi-sport festival for athletes of all ages and athletic abilities, including those with physical disabilities, visual impairments, and intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.

Start of the Rocky Mountain State Games

“We started the games in Colorado Springs in 2002,” Sharples said. “There is only one event location per state, and the Colorado games are held primarily in Colorado Springs and other premier venues in the Pikes Peak area,” Sharples explained Colorado Springs is an ideal venue because of the many competition sites it offers. In addition, Colorado Springs is a great travel destination.

“Last year our games had 11,746 athlete participants,” Sharples said. “Sixty-three percent were under the age of 18 and the remaining athletes were 18 and older.” Over thirty events are offered for athletes to compete in. These include badminton, baseball, cornhole, field hockey, figure skating, cycling, disc golf, Ninja Challenge, racquetball, lacrosse, swimming, weightlifting, and more.

High Competition in a Wide Variety of Sports

The games, Sharples said, are organized in accordance with NCAA guidelines and are officially recognized through membership in the National Congress of State Games. Each sport, she said, varies in location, fees, age requirements, registration deadlines, and requirements for competition.

All athletes must register by the date specified on the appropriate sport’s profile unless otherwise indicated. Registration, Sharples said, is on a first-received, first-filled basis, and admittance to compete will close once the sport is filled. Specific information and registration are available at www.Rockymountainstategames.org.

Colorado Springs Sports Competition

The Colorado Springs Sports Corporation, Sharples said, is the host of this event and exists to inspire and advance Colorado Springs, Olympic City USA and the Pikes Peak Region through sports and community events. A few of their annual events include the Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off, The Broadmoor Cycle to the Summit and the Pikes Peak Regional Airshow. In addition, the not-for-profit organization supports the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee, National and International Governing Bodies of Sports and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum.

“We host, plan and partner a number of sporting and various community events in the Colorado Springs area in an effort to promote tourism, provide opportunities and create a positive economic impact,” Sharples explained. Their mission statement, she said, includes attracting, creating and retaining sporting events that contribute to the quality of life for citizens of the Pikes Peak region.

Volunteering Opportunities

Each sporting event, Sharples said, is headed by a volunteer commissioner. These volunteers, she added, are the heart of the Rocky Mountain State Games. Two such volunteer commissioners are husband and wife Daniel and Jennifer Gaudreau. Jennifer was a powerlifter at Louisiana Tech University and serves as a committee member at the state level. Daniel was a powerlifter and played soccer at Louisiana Tech University as well. Both previously participated in the Rocky Mountain State Games and wanted to find a way to give back to the sport they love. They serve as commissioners for the powerlifting competition.

Athletes and coaches receive free admission to events, but spectators will be charged for basketball and track and field. Those under 12 are admitted free. Parking for all events is free and vendors and concessions will be present at some.

Through the support of its many sponsors, Sharples said service members, spouses and dependents can get up to 50 percent off registration fees for some events. This discount applies to active duty, reserve, National Guard, and retired service members.

Rocky Mountain State Games are presented by Colorado Springs Sports Corporation and are held yearly. State Games of America are held every other year. Qualifying medalists from this year’s Rocky Mountain State Games will participate in the 2024 State Games of America.

For registration or additional information visit www.rockymountainstategames.org or call 719-634-7333.

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